The 18 Sweet Nothings He Needs to Hear

In a relationship, it's not only women who like to hear that they look nice, or that they're wanted. Whether it's a simple compliment to kick off his day or something deeper, these affirmations will strengthen your bond.

"I respect you"

"I respect you"

"I know that it might seem old-fashioned, but men and women are different," explains Dr. Eris Huemer, a licensed marriage and family therapist featured on Bravo's LA Shrinks. "We don't think the same, talk the same, or respond the same to similar situations. Women want to feel loved, cherished and safe. Men want respect." Since men often withdraw when they don't feel that respect, it's worth giving him the positivity he craves. "A man wants to know that you are focusing solely on him and that he is your priority. When you do focus on him, you will get so much in return."

"You look handsome"

"You look handsome"

It may sound obvious, but men enjoy a good ego-stroking, especially when they're not trying to impress. "Whenever my fiancé groggily tells me I look nice in the morning, before I head out the door for work, it makes me feel unstoppable for the rest of the day," says New Yorker Charles C., 30. "It's one thing to hear it if we're going out to a nice place, but when she tells me I look dapper when I'm on my way to the office, it gives me a renewed confidence."